Wednesday 27 February 2013

A fresh approach to oily skin…

                                      A fresh approach to oily skin…


Oily skin people have open pores and oily surface, with 

a tendency towards pimples, blackheads and a sallow appearance. This is due to over-production of sebum by oil glands. Unfortunately this skin type is most prone to acne. The good news is that this oiliness will make your skin stay younger-looking for longer- so there are some benefits!

Special care for oily skin:

Though you make want to take a drastic action when you face a fresh outbreak of pimples but remember, it’s very important not to treat oily skin too rigorously. Over enthusiastic cleansing treatments can actually encourage oil glands to produce more sebum and they will also leave surface layers of your skin dry and dehydrated.
Here are some of the ways to keep an oily skin fresh, flawless and disease free:
  •  Even though your skin is prone to oiliness, the skin around your eyes is delicate, so don’t drag it when removing eye-makeup. Soak a cotton pad with a non-oily remover  and hold over your eyes for few seconds to dissolve the make-up, then lightly wipe it away from the eyelids and lashes.
  •  Lather up with a gentle foaming facial wash. This is a better choice than ordinary soap, as it won’t strip away moisture from your skin, but will remove dirt and oil. Massage gently over damp skin with your fingertips, then rinse away the soapy suds with lots of warm water.

  •  Soak a cotton ball with astringent and sweep it over your skin to refresh it. This shouldn’t irritate your skin, if it does, change to a gentler one. Continue until the cotton comes up clean.
  •  Even oily skin needs moisturizer because it helps to seal water into the top layers to keep skin soft and supple. Don’t load the skin down with a heavy formulation. Instead, choose a light, watery fluid.
  •  Allow the moisturizer to skin in for a few minutes, then press a clean tissue over your face to absorb the excess and to prevent a shiny complexion.

Acne:
This is a distressing condition usually occurs in adolescence. It also runs in families, it is thought to be trigered by a hormonal change which causes your skin to produce more sebum. It can be aggravated by stress, poor diet. Careful skin care helps keep acne under control. Avoid picking pimples, as this can lead to scarring. Try over-the-counter blemish treatments, as today’s formulations contain ingredients that are successful at treating this problem. Products containing tea tree oil can also be effective. If these aren’t successful, consult your doctor/dermatologist.

Stay tuned for more updates on dry, sensitive and combination skin. Be healthy. Keep glowing.

Courtesy: The best ever book of beauty.
Images: Internet.





Saturday 23 February 2013

Reebok Reefresh Deodrant Body Spray


 Reebok Reefresh Deodrant Body Spray




Hi everyone :-)
This is another review for all of you. Who doesn't like to smell good huh? A good fragrance turns up mood. So, here is the review of Reebok Reefresh Deodrant Body Spray.
Fragrance details:
  • The sweet and enveloping scent of Haro melody.
  • Top notes: Lemon, Apple, Blossom
  • Middle notes: Wood, Lily of the Valley, Aqutic notes
  • Base notes: Amber, Musk, Spicy.
Price:
Rs. 199 for 150 ml/5.1 fl.oz
Shelf Life:
36 months.
Directions For Use:
Shake can well before use. Hold can 15 cm/6 inches from body and spray.
Ingredients:
Alcohol denat., propane, butane, isobutane, fragrance, isopropyl myristate, hydroxy isohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, nutylphenyl methylpropional, linalool, triclosan, citral.
My take on Reebok Reefresh Deodrant Body spray:
It is a sports deo from The Sports Lifestyle Toiletary Range For Women. I bought it from a pantaloons store because they have testers and it's so much easy to buy a fragrance after smelling than buying online. The spray is very soothing yet mood uplifting and refreshing. it has a mixture of floral, sporty and citrusy fragrances. It never caused irritation on my extra-sensitive skin nor did it stain clothes when applied over them.
Overall, it's a very cute yet sexy smelling deo though the fragrance lasts only for 4-5 hours. It's worth investing and is really wort 200 bucks!
I have almost completed my first bottle and planning to buy another but i'll definitely try newer fragrances.
Pros:
-Refreshing fragrance.
-Most of the noses will love it.
-Good for everyday wear.
-Doesn’t stain clothes.
-Never caused any irritation.
-Isn't pricey.
-Availability.
Cons:
- Dupes.
- Alcohol content.
- Staying power.
Rating: 4.2/5
Will I buy Reebok Reefresh Deodorant Body Spray again?
Yes but after a short break ;-)
Do I Recommend Reebok Reefresh Deodorant Body Spray?
Yes! It's definitely worth a try but beware of the dupes and buy from authentic stores.
Stay happy. Smell lively!

Friday 22 February 2013

Himalaya Herbals Anti Hair loss Cream- Review

Himalaya Herbals Anti Hair loss Cream- Review
Hi everyone,
Most of us are facing or have faced the problem of hair fall at least once in our life time, so am I. Falling hairs also take away our confidence and beauty with them. Pollution, cosmetics, hair styling, winters and season change make it worse. Today I am going to review an anti hair loss cream from one of the trusted brands, himalaya herbals.
What the company claims:
Visible effects:
Diffuse hair loss (gradual loss of hair over a period of time): 20% reduction in hair loss within 2 weeks. Continued use ensures upto 70% reduction in hair loss in 6 months.
Alopecia Areata (sudden development of bald patch): Regrowth of 40% of hair on the bald area within 3 months.
Associated symptoms of hair loss (itching/dryness/scalp redness): 75% reduction in 2 weeks.
Hair follicle count: 30% increase in count in 1 month. 50% normalization after 2 months and a complete normalization in 6 months.
How it works:
1.       Stimulates the anagenic (active) phase of the hair growth cycle.
2.       Induces quick multiplication of hair fiber cells.
3.       Improves the tensile strength of hair and increases hair density.
Directions for use: Gently massage cream into the scalp, part by part, covering the entire scalp. For best results, leave on overnight. Rinse in the morning if desired.
Ingredients: Each ml contains: Exts. Palasha (Butea monosperma) 4.73mg, Palashabheda (Butea parviflora) 4.73mg.
Inactives: Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben IP, Propylparaben IP.
Net volume: 100 ml
Price: Rs. 330/-
Shelf life: 3 years
My take on Himalaya Herbals Anti Hair loss Cream :
I have been using this hair cream almost since 1½  months, twice or thrice weekly. It comes in a white tube with a green cap. The cream inside has a “khakhi” colour. It is written in the tube that natural herbal formulations tend to change colour over time. However, the product efficacy remains unchanged. It has a light smell which is partly on the herbal side and partly on the cosmetic side. The cream is light, not thick and spreads easily though it makes the scalp greasy when applied. It does reduce itching and has also reduced hair fall in my case.It hasn’t stopped the hair fall fully but yes there is a considerable reduction in the same. I am currently liking it and keep it overnight and just wash the hair the other day. It’s easily removed in 1-2 washes depending on the shampoo. Nowadays, I apply it instead of hair oil, as any oil caused me more hair fall when applied. I apply oil only to the ends of my hair.
Pros of Himalaya Herbals Anti Hair loss Cream  :
-          Good and leak free packaging.
-          Travel friendly.
-          Reduces hair fall.
-          Reduces itching.
-          Promotes new hair growth.
-          Completely ayurvedic and herbal.
-          Lasts long.
-          Isn’t pricey for the quantity they offer.
-          Easily available.
-          Has replaced hair oil in my case.
Cons:
-          Contains parabens.
-          Fragrance may be annoying to sensitive noses but its very light and good.
-          Makes scalp greasy.
Will I purchase Himalaya Herbals Anti Hair loss Cream again?
Yes. Surely. But do consult a dermatologist and get your hormones checked in case you are not benefitted by it.
Rating: 4/5



Himalaya Herbals Almond and Cucumber Peel-off Mask- Review

Himalaya Herbals Almond and Cucumber Peel-off Mask- Review
Hey people,
I keep on trying different products from himalaya herbals these days. Some come out to be real good ones while some are real duds! I wanted to try my hands on some peel off masks and cucumber and almond sounded a great combo, so I purchased it immediately. Read on to know how it came out to be.
What the company claims: A rejuvinating mask that unclogs pores, peels away blemishes and leaves you with healthy firm and glowing skin. Almond nourishes, soothes and softens the skin. Cucumber tones your facial skin and provides a cooling effect. Pineapple removes impurities and dead cells, and firms up the skin. Indian gooseberry (amla) has cleansing and antioxidant properties.
Natural herbal formulations tend to change color over time. However, the product efficacy remains unchanged.
Key Ingredients: Almond, cucumber, indian gooseberry, pineapple.
Inactives: Methyl paraben IP, propyl paraben IP
Quantity: 100g.
Price: Rs.110
Shelf life: 3 years.
How to use: Apply evenly over cleansed face and neck, avoiding the area around the eyes. Allow it to dry for 10-15 minutes. Gently remove the peel from the side of the face. Use once or twice a week. Donot apply on broken or inflammed skin.
My take on the Almond & Cucumber Peel-off Mask:
It comes in a white and green tube packaging. The lid closes well and does not open on it’s own making it easy to carry while travelling. The mask is very light green in color. It smells of cucumber but its not a fresh smell like of the real cucumbers. It’s not that bad but it’s also not at all good, though some may like it. The consistency of the mask is thick, a bit difficult to spread. Spread it out evenly, neither too thick nor too thin layer, as thick layer took around 45 minutes to dry and thin layer does not peel off well. Normally it takes around 20 minutes to dry and then peel it off. The face feels fair, clean, soft, firm and rejuvinated but sadly the effect lasts only for few hours.
Pros:
-          Contains a lot of natural ingredients.
-          Cleanses the skin well.
-          Makes skin smooth, firm, soft and fair.
-          Inexpensive.
-          No harmful reactions
-          Travel friendly.
-          Hygeinic packing.
Cons:
-Contains parabens.
-Does not lives to it’s claims.
-The effect does not last long.
-You have to learn to take the right quantity and spread evenly.
-No cooling effect.
Rating: 2.8/5
Do I recommend it?
No.
Will I repurchase it?
Not at all.



Sunday 17 February 2013

Amway Artistry Essentials Moisture Intense Masque- Review

Amway Artistry Essentials Moisture Intense Masque- Review
Hey people,
I am deeply into amway artistry products these days and loving every molecule of them ;-)
Trust me, these are the best and the most effective ones I have ever come across. They really do wonders to the skin and more than what is expected. The artistry range is manufactured in USA and is then imported to India. It’s pricey but fab and is available at their website and also through amway distributors. Anyways, stopping here and coming to the review.
The masque comes in a white carton with a pink handy tube inside. The tube is good quality, leak proof and soft. You can take the desired amount of product and avoid wastage. It is creamy white coloured mask inside the tube.
Ingredients: .Water, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Petrolatum, Stearic Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifer (Coconut Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Squalane, Fragrance, Menthyl Lactate, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Propylene Glycol, Apnthenol, Polysorbate 60, Diazolidinyl Urea, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Cholesterol.
Quantity: 100ml.
Price: Rs.1179 (you can always ask for some discount)
Shelf life: 36 months.
How to use: Apply to cleansed face. Leave for 5-15 minutes. Rinse with water. Follow with toner and moisturizer.
My take on the Moisture Intense Masque:
As I told you guys, I am loving every molecule of the whole Artistry range. It is a creamy masque. This masque is very easy to spread and is very light. It doesnot dry or stretch skin. It has a heavenly fragrance which is not at all annoying. I apply it and leave it for around 20 minutes. It’s easy to remove. Just wash with water, won’t require any effort. Result, smooth, glowing, soft and deep cleansed skin. It is not at all drying. I follow it with balancing toner and cream of the same range. It keeps my skin glowing like a 100 watt bulb.
Pros of Amway Artistry Essentials Moisture Intense Masque:
-          Contains a lot of natural ingredients.
-          Makes skin smooth, soft and fair.
-          Lessens dark spots with time.
-          Imparts a radiant glow.
-          Easy to apply and remove, not messy at all.
-          Didn’t break me out.
-          Lasts long, atleast 3-4 months when used alone.
-          Worth every penny.
-          Since it’s quite effective, I apply it weekly or in 10 days. No need of applying it every other day like other face packs.
-          It is the best ever I have come across.
-          Amway is strictly against animal testing.

Cons:
-I really don’t find any but price and availability might be a con for some. But since it is available through their website and lasts long, I personally don’t rate it as a con.
-Contains parabens.
Rating: 4.9/5
Do I recommend it?
Bada wala YES!
Will I repurchase it?
Surely, I am deeply in love with it :-*
Have a healthy skin. Keep glowing.



Saturday 26 January 2013

Your Own Guide To Everyday Skin Care


Your Own Guide To Everyday Skin Care


Skin is the largest and the most exposed organ of the human body. It is exposed to sunlight, chemicals, pollutants and micro-organisms resulting in sun burn, itching, allergy, dullness, acne and lots more. A bad looking or unhealthy skin not only drops down one’s confidence level but also gives a bad image. To get a radiant, glowing, flawless and disease free skin, adopt these steps in your everyday life.

    1) The CTM Routine:

It’s the cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine. It makes the skin look healthy and glowing and removes the dark patches.

Cleanser: A cleanser is something that deep cleanses the pores by opening them and also removes makeup. Choose a cleanser according to your skin types. A gel based cleanser is good for oily and combination skin. Dry skinned beauties can choose a cream or oil based cleanser.

Toner: Toner helps tighten the pores. According to me, it is the most important of all the three, although the rest two can’t be ignored as well. Toning makes your skin glow and adds life to it. It also prevents the formation of wrinkles in the long go. It helps in rejuvinating the skin. Choose the toner according to your skin type. Oily and combination skins mostly need a balancing toner whereas dry skin needs a hydrating toner.

Rose water, cucumber water and raw milk are good natural home-made toners which suit every skin type.

Moisturizer: A moisturizer helps keeping the skin hydrated, soft and supple. Oily and combination skins may prefer a gel based or oil-free moisturizer whereas dry skinned beauties need a more creamy and hydrating one to nourish their skin.

Go for a moisturizer with some SPF and sun protection to avoid tans and wrinkles.

Try an under-eye cream to reduce the dark circles and puffiness around eyes.

You can also try professional facials in parlors or at home to keep the glow and increase the blood circulation.

    2) A Healthy Diet:

Whatever you eat, shows off in your body. The better you eat, the better your body reacts to it. To keep your skin youthful and glowing eat lots of organic food. Go for less fat, less carbohydrates and a more protein rich diet. Add fruits, green leafy vegetables, fish, sprouts and pulses to your everyday routine. Avoid junk foods and ready to eat meals.

Drink lots of water. Water keeps you hydrated and also helps in removal of toxins from the body. Water is also known as ‘’natural healer’’.

    3) Exercise:

The list would have been really incomplete without exercise. Adopt for cardio, yoga, stretching, weight training or any form of exercise you love. You can also try your hands in some outdoor sports or walking, jogging or anything that suits your routine. Exercise at least 3-4 times a week.

   4) Meditation and sleep:
Meditation heals your mind. You stay calm and look fresh. It also helps in the realization of the inner self. Incense sticks, a photo of your guru, candles, a clean room, mats are some of the tools to assist meditation.

A good night’s sleep is a must to make you look fresh. Get at least 6-8 hours of undisturbed sleep.


Stay healthy and blessed. Keep glowing!

How to look fab when you are pregnant!


How to look fab when you are pregnant!

 Firstly, Yay! You’re pregnant.
Pregnancy is one of the most cherishable moments of a woman’s life. With the growing flab all over the body, new to be mummas wanna look fab. It’s possible! Yeah, you have read it right, you can be pregnant and look fab and graceful as well. Here’s the key…

The First Trimester:
This is the time when you feel the happiest. You’ve just got the news that you are pregnant. You’ll start getting extra care and loads of love from the hubby dear and from the family and friends as well. In the first trimester, wear all your favourite and chic clothes. You’ll start gaining weight for sure but remember it’s just the start.

-Get yourself some new bras as swollen breasts compliment pregnancy.
-Flaunt your heels, wedges, stilletoes or whatever you wish to. But take care, if your pregnancy is a delicate one do not dare to wear heels!

The Second Trimester:
By this time you have realised the mess of morning sickness. Your body has also changed itself. You have gained weight and the bump is also slightly visible, and in case there are twins, everyone can appreciate the bump. Now what to do? Should you quit being stylish? Should you sit at home? Should you wear those baggy clothes? NO is the answer.

Cheer up! It’s time to go shopping. Get yourself some new  clothes.

-New bras for the bigger breasts. Get the specially designed maternity ones. Avoid the ones with wires or synthetic fabrics as they might not give you the extra comfort you need.

-Get some new panties as well for bigger hips.

-You can also invest in a maternity support band that you can strap around your bump. They are designed to take the strain away from your lower back preventing back aches.

Now, the styling. Show the leanest area of your body. Like if you have thinner arms, opt for sleeveless dresses. Lycra dresses tend to take the shape of the body very well and can be a long term investment. In case your legs are your style mates, go for capris, hot pants, shorts or skirts.
- A well fitted T-shirt looks chic and stylish and shows your baby bump well. It shows how much happy and comfortable you are with your pregnancy. You can compliment it with a biker’s jacket and boots to add to the style statement.

-But in any case, you want to hide your bump, opt for tunics, silhouette, wrap dress, boot-cut stretchy jeans, Empire-waisted garments, bold and dark colors, jackets, etc.
-In this stage avoid using high heels. Use flats of orange, blue, yellow, green and other happening colors to add to your style. Low and comfortable heels and wedges can be used if your pregnancy is not a critical one but I always advise flaunting flats, bellies, shoes and canvas. Invest in a good, comfortable pair.

The Third Trimester:
These are the last 3 months and you have to take very good care of yourself. Remember, loose clothing can make you appear bigger than you really are. Long or short fluid dresses are life-savers throughout the long nine months.
-Invest in Empire-waisted maxi dress. It can make you look slimmer and more graceful.

-Go for bold accessories, big but light weighted ear rings and neck pieces. Opt for bold colors as the can also help keeping your mood on the higher side. Go for chic ballet shoes.

Tit-Bits:
·         Invest in quality materials. You need them for your post-pregnancy weight as well.
·         Do step by step shopping, as the clothes you buy in the 10th week might not fit you in the 15th or 20th.
·         Borrow clothing from friends and family that are a similar size to your pregnancy stage.
·         Don't wear underwear that cuts into skin, or man-made fabrics, such as under wired bras, as they can interfere with developing milk ducts.
·         Nowadays designer clothes are available for pregnant ladies. Office wear, casuals, party wear and so on. Go for online shopping if you don’t have a shop nearby.
·         Enjoy being pregnant. Experiment with style! Be confident, carry the bump gracefully.The newbie is about to come ;-)